Australian authorities have smashed an alleged international drug smuggling ring, charging four men after a colossal haul of cocaine was discovered floating in the ocean off the West Australian coast.
The Multi-Million Dollar Ocean Discovery
The dramatic operation began on November 6, when a vigilant member of the public stumbled upon a suspicious sight about 30km off the coast of Lancelin, a town situated 125km north of Perth. Large packages, securely tied to flotation drums, were found bobbing in the water. This chance discovery triggered a major investigation by the Western Australia Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (WA JOCTF).
The recovered packages contained a staggering 525 kilograms of cocaine, a quantity with an estimated street value of $170 million. Investigators quickly alleged the drugs were dropped from an international livestock carrier that was en route to the port of Fremantle.
The Investigation and Arrests
Upon searching the vessel, investigators made several critical finds. They allegedly discovered a blue drum and ropes that matched the materials used to keep the multi-million dollar cargo afloat. It is further claimed that a CCTV camera on the ship was deliberately covered at the time the drugs were dumped overboard.
This evidence led to the arrest of the ship's 46-year-old chief officer, a Croatian national. He was charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and has been remanded in custody. His first court appearance is scheduled for January 23 at the Perth Magistrates Court.
The plot, however, extended far beyond the ship. Three days before the ocean discovery, emergency services were called to assist a vessel taking on water near Guilderton. While two Sydney men, aged 19 and 36, were brought to shore unharmed, authorities stated their trip had raised suspicions. The pair were later extradited from NSW to WA and each charged with one count of possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug.
Investigators allege these men, along with a 52-year-old Perth man who was also charged, were attempting to retrieve the cocaine from the ocean after launching their vessels from the Two Rocks boat ramp.
A Significant Blow to Organised Crime
Authorities have hailed the seizure as a major victory, warning that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan highlighted the severe consequences of the illicit drug trade, noting, "There is violence and exploitation throughout the illicit drug supply chain and drug use puts immense pressure on our health systems." He revealed that in 2022-23 alone, there were 985 cocaine-related hospitalisations nationally.
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Longhorn was unequivocal about the operation's success. "This is a significant disruption to organised crime networks," he stated. "The successful recovery of these drugs is the result of a complex, multi-agency operation and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the community from the impact of illicit substances. This should send a clear message to organised crime groups that Western Australia is not a soft target. We will find you and we will bring you to justice."
